WHAT CAUSES THYROID IMBALANCE?
The Thyroid Gland is the largest of all the hormone glands. It is butterfly shaped and located in the front and lower part of your neck, just beneath the “Adams Apple”. It plays a major role in a variety of body functions. By some estimates, if you are older than 35, you may be one of the 30 million women with the disorder. Fifteen millions of these are silent sufferers yet to be diagnosed. Women are 10 times more likely than men to have this disorder.
Its main function is to control metabolism (numerous essential chemical processes occurring in virtually all cells of the body allowing for converting calories and oxygen into energy, growth and reproduction, aide in response to our environment and calcium balance).
Hypothyroidism may be due to a number of factors, including:
- Autoimmune disease,
- Treatment for hyperthyroidism,
- Thyroid surgery,
- Radiation therapy,
- Medications,
- Adrenal Gland Fatigue.
Less often, hypothyroidism may result from one of the following:
- Congenital disease,
- Pituitary disorder,
- Pregnancy,
- Iodine deficiency.
Thyroid disorders include:
- Hypothyroidism (decreased activity)
- Hyperthyroidism (increased activity)
- Thyroiditis, inflammation of the thyroid, Autoimmune Thyroid, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Hashimoto’s Disease is an autoimmune disorder whereby the body’s own immune system reacts with the thyroid tissues in an attempt to destroy it.
- Thyroid Nodules, (which are usually benign thyroid neoplasms but are sometimes thyroid cancer)
- Goiters, (enlarged thyroid tissue),
- Thyroid Disease in Pregnancy
Hypothyroidism: (Hypothyroidism may start out as Hyperthyroidism) and occurs when too little thyroid hormone is produced. Signs and Symptoms can include:
- Excessive weight gain,
- Hair loss,
- Loss of the outer 1/3 of eyebrows,
- Increased risk of Osteoporosis,
- “Pear” shaped body (fat deposition in abdomen and thighs),
- Low body temperatures (cold hands and feet).
- Constipation
- Tiredness/Easily Fatigued,
- Increased heart rate
- Can’t focus on thoughts
- Irritated, dry and puffy eyes,
- Depression
- Menstrual Problems
Hyperthyroidism:
- Weight Loss
- Grave’s disease
- Anxiety
- Weight loss
- Sleep Troubles
- Weakness
- Muscle soreness
- Can’t handle Heat
- Hair loss
- Menstrual Problems
Although anyone can develop hypothyroidism, you’re at an increased risk if you:
- Are a woman older than age 60
- Have an autoimmune disease
- Have a close relative, such as a parent or grandparent, with an autoimmune disease
- Have been treated with radioactive iodine or anti-thyroid medications
- Received radiation to your neck or upper chest
- Have had thyroid surgery (partial thyroidectomy)
- Have been pregnant or delivered a baby within the past six months
The presence of a thyroid disorder is easy to detect with a simple blood test. Natural treatment can be very effective without the need for medications.
Not all thyroid disorders are a “Primary” problem. Adrenal gland function is integrally related to the thyroid. To treat just the thyroid without evaluating the health of the Adrenals may result, ultimately, in a less than desired result.
